THE president of the Fremantle Society says the Cook government could help preserve the fig tree with the revolving heritage fund it used to restore and sell the Warders Cottages on Henderson Street.

John Dowson said the fund, which appeared to have “disappeared” since the Warders’ sale, could be used to purchase the site and prepare it for a sensitive redevelopment which preserved the tree and the heritage-listed house at the property’s rear.

Mr Dowson said the development could be tailored to open up onto the Queens Square park next to the old pharmacy, with perhaps a cafe or restaurant able to use the park for alfresco seating and giving the under-used green space a new lease of life.

The trade-off for the council would be giving the fig the space it needed to drop its leaves and fruit without troubling new owners.

But he criticised the council for not appreciating the importance of the Moreton Bay fig tree at 195 High Street. 

He reckons this week’s council meeting was handled “so badly” and the tree deserved to be celebrated for its “amazing” history and opportunities.

“What was missing from last night was an appreciation that this site is actually a stellar, wonderful opportunity,” Mr Dowson said. 

“All that happened last night was these bloody architects turned up saying, ‘Oh, we can fit 33 apartments there’,” Mr Dowson said.

“That’s shocking. That’s cannibalising an amazing site just to make money.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER
and STEVE GRANT